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Article
Volume 11 : Number 4 : Article 1
(Journal of scientific Exploration)
Topographic Brain Mapping of UFO
Experiencers
by
Norman S. Don
Kairos Foundation and University of Illinois at Chicago, 1187
Wilmette Ave., #174, Wilmette, IL 60091
and
Gilda Moura
Kairos Foundation, Caixa Postal 14528, CEP 22412-000, Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil
Volume 11 Number 4: Page 435.
A cohort of Brazilian subjects, claiming experiences with UFOs
involving contact or abduction, were selected for topographic brain
mapping. One of the most important selection criteria was the
ability to enter into a self-reported, non-ordinary state of
consciousness or trance that developed spontaneously after their
abduction or contact experiences. Analysis of their EEGs revealed
that all subjects entered voluntarily into an hyperaroused trance. In
this state, they maintained a condition of muscular relaxation and
immobility while their EEGs exhibited high frequency (beta) activity
at all 19 electrode sites, but with maximum activity at the prefrontal
and adjacent loci. Inspection of the EEGs from the
prefrontal/frontal sites revealed intermittent trains of rhythmic,
approximately 40 Hz activity, attaining very high amplitudes, at
times exceeding 40 microvolts. This activity was distinct in
morphology and frequency from faster, usually concurrent activity,
probably attributable to scalp muscle discharge (EMG). Analysis of
40 Hz, midline scalp activity, statistically controlling for the
effects
of EMG, revealed significantly more 40 Hz activity in trance than in
baseline (p < .006). Also, the dominant alpha frequency increased
during trance (p < .01). Both EEG findings suggest the occurrence
of a state of hyperarousal. There was no evidence of epileptiform
discharges in our data or clinical indications of possible epilepsy.
Also, there was no brain activity suggestive of psychopathology,
particularly schizophrenia, nor were there clinical indications of
psychopathology. The EEG results were related to the physiological
effects of highly focused attention and recent findings in
neuroscience. Also noted were similarities to advanced meditative
states and differences from psychopathology.